**Let me know if you spot errors. Chapter is quite long so I might've missed stuff**
--
Sabrina and Anais returned to the dungeon world of floating academies.
To say it was massive was an understatement. their first and last journey through this dungeon has changed their previous perception of what dungeons actually are. A floor to them used to mean a large region that had a limit since it was just a level underground.
But going through this dungeon made them understand dungeons aren't simply just that. There can be worlds within dungeons.
The 50th floor's familiar purple atmosphere brought a sense of calm to Anais, maybe due to the relationship both her and this world share with mana. Despite the silent passing chaos and debris, she felt at peace in this world. Though eeriness still lingered.
The mana felt almost alive.
"—Walking among these buildings makes me uneasy—it's like we're being watched." Sabrina commented as the two walked on a path, several buildings surrounding them. This wasn't an unfamiliar sight to either of them but Anais could also feel unease creep up her spine, like ghosts were observing the two.
It's possible the spirits of all who died, in the mysterious war that left this planet lifeless, are still roaming these lands. They just can't be seen but felt by those with mana.
Their destination, the broken-down academy building not that far, beyond the majestic rusted gates. The sign above the gate was in a language Anais couldn't read.
Above said academy was the [Coordinator Teleporter] they used to jump worlds last time. So far this has been the only one they've found but this world has almost endless floating towers, castles and islands so there is no conceivable way this would be the only one in this world.
The academy was no less majestic than the floating towers within view. There was a staircase extending from the top of the tallest tower.
Since Anais was a magician, she's trained her magic abilities the most so she could feel presences in the air more acutely than Sabrina who's a priest.
'I wonder if I will be able to speak with all of these people roaming this dead world…'
"Ah, I forgot to ask! Did you manage to get into the Magic University?" Anais asked in a hurry just as the two jumped over to a floating building, ascending slowly due to the low gravity.
"Yup, I start in a month. What about you? Have you looked into further education yet? I'm sure you got lots of offers."
"Ah, well, I'm not interested in studying further honestly…" she said something her parents would faint over. Seven years in the academy just isn't enough for them. Well, you need to attend the University in order to become an Elite Magician of a Tower.
"Haha, I knew it." shaking her head, Sabrina continued, "Your passion for magic science is that big, huh? I hope it doesn't ruin your life outside work. So many of our friends have been asking why they haven't seen you around yet. I keep making excuses for you, Anais."
"Uhm, I'll need to draw up a timetable to manage my work and social life…" embarrassed, she said in a small voice.
"You better! It's been ages since the two of us hung out!"
She's been too focused on work to care about anything else. She has lots of friends besides Sabrina and Evelyn who always check in on her, whether she was sick or stayed after class. Hanging out with friends will be the only thing keeping her sane in her current situation.
How will she handle the situation between Arnold and Arthur. Well, she can't really do anything to change the outcome, which is what frustrates her the most. Keeping her mind off it all—including Madilith's death—won't change it.
Her friend's face, as her heart was pierced, flashed in Anais' mind. Then it overlapped with Arthur's face and a shadow appeared over Anais' face.
"—Anais?" Noticing her friend's hands trembling at her sides, Sabrina placed a hand on her shoulder.
"…Doesn't it suck to feel powerless?"
Her smile didn't match her eyes.
Sabrina froze for a moment, caught off guard by how sudden—and how heavy—the question was. "…E-Eh?"
Anais let out a soft laugh that sounded like an echo in a deep dark forest.
"I mean, you know," she continued as if on command, "you work hard, you study, you train, and then when it actually matters—" she paused, her fingers curling slightly at her side, "—you realize there are things you just… can't touch. A future you can't… change…"
The low gravity made her hair drift slightly around her shoulders as they moved, but her gaze had gone distant.
"It's like watching everything from behind glass," she added quietly. "You can see it, understand it, even predict it sometimes… but you can't stop it. You can't change it. You're just…" her voice dipped, "…there. Thinking of killing yourself won't help you with anything. It will only make people sad… Ha… Haha…"
Sabrina's grip on her shoulder tightened just a little. "…Anais."
Anais blinked.
For a split second, something cracked.
"…I hate that," she said, softer now. "I hate knowing what might happen and still—" she cut herself off abruptly, her lips pressing into a thin line.
The silence between them stretched, filled only by the faint hum of mana in the air and the distant creaking of floating debris shifting in slow motion.
Sabrina hesitated. "Is this about—"
"Oh! Look!"
Anais's voice snapped back to life, bright and sharp, almost too quick.
She pointed ahead at a nearby structure—a tall, partially intact building that stood upright among the ruins, its windows dark but unshattered.
"That one's still standing!" she said, already stepping forward, her tone forced into excitement. "If it's intact, there's a good chance something inside wasn't completely destroyed. Maybe even records or artifacts—this is an academy world, after all! Maybe there's even some ultra-super-giga artifact that can even defeat Gods~!"
Sabrina didn't move immediately as her friend shouted with empty eyes but a smile on her face.
What kind of expression was that…? It's like… someone who had resigned themselves to their fate but was still looking for a way out of a certain struggle.
"D-Didn't we come here for parts? Don't just wander around!" she stressed at her curious friend.
"Aww, c'mon~ about we explore for a bit? We never got the chance to do so during our expedition." She suggested but Sabrina looked unsure.
"Lauran won't appreciate you staying away for too long while she has to work. And I have to have lunch with my parents later today so I can't stay that long. Remember that time passes quicker here."
"Bah, you're no fun! Alright, then! I'll come alone next time!"
"Al won't like you slacking off like this."
"…I just want to check if we can find similar machines around here." Anais stared at the closest floating tower, "I think I should be able to make it up there if I boost myself with wind magic. Wanna come?"
"…" sighing softly, she followed after her adventurous friend.
◊◊
After being discharged from the medical facility earlier this morning, Arnold was told to stay in a wheelchair for the rest of the day so that his spine could rest.
Gergois was able to withstand most of Valtraak's attacks but its durability was at critical levels and his helmet was broken. Fortunately, he now had Sylphiala on his side so that's not something he has to worry about.
After the carriage arrived at the palace, Siana helped him into the wheelchair and pushed him on it. Bethany also stepped out of the carriage and put a blanket over his lap to protect him from the cold breeze. She had joined them at the hospital during his surgery to attend to Siana.
Victoria apparently left the city with Vealle shortly after his surgery was over and before he woke up. He was curious what those two had in common for them to hang out like that but it's their business.
"It's quiet today." he said, even though it was early morning, the sun barely out. That said, there are usually knights walking around here even at this time.
"All units, except for Lord Vetis' knights, were sent out on patrol." Bethany replied as she walked beside Siana, "Lady Guinevere spent some time with the knights around the campfire they made last night and told everyone what happened and how everything unfolded. Upon hearing that, Miss Caerwyn and Lord Sceptim ordered everyone to head out and patrol the entire territory." She finished explaining.
He wanted to say it's unnecessary to be that overly cautious but if it's to ensure none of his citizens' lives will be in danger, then so be it. He'd rather be seen as some paranoid lord than have paranoid citizens.
"Did Guinevere and Sylphy leave just like Vealle?"
"No, Lady Guinevere is touring the city. She said she would visit the information guild today as well."
'She's not giving up her search for the Faceless, huh.' It's a good opportunity for her to look around whilst here so he won't interfere.
They entered the front door and were immediately met by a line of servants stretching the length of the great hall. Every maid, steward, and attendant stood with their heads bowed, hands folded neatly before them.
"Welcome home, Master. May the blessings of Melis rest upon you and grant you a speedy recovery!"
Their voices rose together like a rehearsed prayer.
Arnold lifted a hand slightly, a faint smile touching his lips. "Thank you for worrying about me."
No one moved until Siana pushed the wheelchair forward.
As he passed, the servants bowed deeper.
A few dared to look up.
Their expressions held something closer to awe.
Word of the battle had spread quickly. They had heard how their lord stood before Valtraak, how dragons answered his call, how the peasant eyewitnesses saw his battle.
To them, he was no longer simply the lord of the city.
He was the man who had fought a creature out of legend and lived—a trueborn Hero. One without Melis' blessing.
At the far end of the hall, the palace guards struck their halberds against the marble floor.
"Glory to Lord Arnold Valtraak, the Demon Slayer."
The sound echoed through the hall like distant thunder.
Arnold sighed quietly.
"Please stop making a spectacle out of it."
But none of them stopped smiling. And honestly, neither did he, to his own surprise.
"He hath returned!" a cheery voice greeted Arnold at the end of the row of servants.
Henry Fralk, representative of the nobles of Whitage city, was standing with a big grin on his face, wearing an expensive and fancy suit, and jewelry that made Arnold's eyes hurt from the glare.
"Lord Fralk, thank you for coming. Have the others gathered yet?" he greeted his noble with respect.
"Yes, Milord! We were expecting to start without you but I pushed the meeting forward so that we can wait for you!"
"Well, the surgery ended quicker than I thought it would and the potion they gave me was quite potent so I can handle a meeting."
He could feel Siana's glare at the back of his head, "We should keep it short as I'm very tired."
Her glare vanished.
"Oh, of course! Who are we to dare demand so much from the Demon Slayer Himself!" hearing that almost made him slap his own face.
He couldn't help but recall all those "Chūnibyō" light novels he liked to read during high school where the main character always gives himself an obnoxious title to make the masses think he's some grand hero with hidden powers and doing his utmost to keep the evil power contained.
But since he delivered the final blow to seal Valtraak, he technically is a "demon slayer" so he'll have to bear that title with a straight face. His 8th Grade Syndrome better not manifest again.
"Tell everyone to gather in the lounge. We'll start right away."
**
There were about a dozen nobles currently in Whitage city, all of whom have been living on this land since even before the previous city lord's death. They observed firsthand what kind of ruthless tyrant that man was and even participated in the revolution to free this city from his rule. That said, he was still the reason this city was still standing. When he vanished—killed by his own citizens—the knight orders, mercenaries and other relevant parties left the city in pursuit of wealth elsewhere since the city lord was dead and only trouble would begin to stir.
So, why didn't all of the nobles leave?
All that really matters to Arnold was that they're competent enough to help him rule his land. While he did send out proposals to other nobles to come live here, it would take a long time for that to happen since they'd need to move assets and such.
Everyone was already gathered in the lounge when Arnold was pushed inside.
Since he had already told Henry beforehand that he wants to end this quickly, no one says anything unnecessary and only greeted him.
After everyone sat down, he began to speak, "First, let's discuss Tyran von Ayried. As you all know, he conspired to blow up the mines our workers dug in the mountains, which would've killed hundreds of people and ruined months of work. Do you know what else would've happened if he succeeded?"
He glanced at everyone but none answered. He gestured for Bethany to bring him water since his throat was a bit dry. Upon receiving the glass of water, he took a few gulps then continued:
"War. That's what would have happened. That said, I can still seek compensation from his father since he put my citizens in harm's way. What do you think I should ask for? Blood money? Land? Or should I take him before the Imperial Court and demand his head?"
Among the gulps and darting glances, Henry lifted his hand, "I think we can work with Duke Ayried to resolve this peacefully."
"And your suggestion to do that is…?"
"We take this matter to the one above the Imperial Court—His Majesty the Emperor. Tyran will be barred from any claim of land or fortune, regardless of whether he is heir to his father's House or not. He can be exiled from the House and forced to fend for himself."
That sounds like a fine suggestion. Arnold wanted to take the aggressive path—take one of the Duke's family hostage to force him to do Arnold's bidding.
But stripping Tyran of any fortune he may have the rights to and taking it for Whitage city, seems like the better choice. There's no need for blood to be shed.
"Your suggestion is very sound, Henry. I'll choose that one. Since no one is offering protest, we can let the matter rest." Arnold looked to Siana who was at his side. She merely nodded, as if to say she agrees.
"I am honored my suggestion has aided you in making a decision, Milord!" Henry bowed his upper body.
He'd go there personally but he can always leave some things up to his subordinates.
Keeping the above in mind, he continued:
"Let's move on. Isolde." He glanced at the silent noblewoman, draped in a low-cleavage dress that seemed to draw the eyes of every man in this room, "Have you made contact with our clients who preordered yet?"
"Yes, I even met some of them last night for dinner, Milord. While I didn't meet all of them, none of them have pulled their support. A report will be sent to you once I review all their letters first. As you know, most of our clients aren't in the empire so they did not arrive with two days delay after each other."
"How long are you able to stay in the city?"
"For as long as you would like, Milord. I've sorted out everything at my residence and my niece is standing in for me so I have nothing to worry about back home."
"Good. Handle that I then deliver their crystals to them once our meeting has concluded. But it's fine if you take a day or two to prepare." He glanced at Siana, "Siana told me when we were coming back to the palace that she will go with you to fulfil her duties so be sure to report to her once you're done sorting through the paperwork."
She's the "foreign relations" expert, the one who mingles with the nobles from across his borders and uses the full extent of his title and power to do so. It's only right that she partakes in this business as well.
"Yes, sir." Isolde had no objections.
"My Lord." One of the other nobles raised his hand, "What do you intend to do with the person who tried to kidnap the princess?"
"Assemble a force of four red knights and arrange her for transportation to the Republic within the next few days at least. I don't want them to send an army to my land so we'll take the time they're using to drive out Serz to prepare on our end as well."
The plan still remains the same. He'll replace Hessinia with a homunculus or clone and have them execute that.
"Speaking of her, were there any attempts by Serz again? I know nothing happened in the city but what about your territories?"
Whitage might be a small territory when comparing it to the Berkley or Penston fiefs but it's at least 40 square kilometers of mountain, forest and grassland so each of his nobles had a small plot of land for themselves. None of them probably realized this but he wasn't asking this question out of concern.
If brute force doesn't work since the person you're trying to attack possesses God-like strength, why not switch strategies?
None of them appear to be nervous or anything as they denied any attempts.
Satisfied, he continued, "Since everything has cooled down and my knights are patrolling the land, I think it's safe for workers to continue their regular shifts. We should also reopen our trading routes."
It's not good to leave those mines open for too long without any maintenance as it's very likely it could collapse.
"Yes, sir!" all answered in unison.
"My Lord, forgive my impudence but…" one of his nobles, a short bald man with a curling mustache, wearing a white suit that stood out too much, spoke up.
"I called all of you here so that you may speak freely, as I intend to do as well—so go ahead and speak." He reassured.
"All of us were discussing amongst ourselves, wondering if it would be possible for us to receive testing samples of the crystals…?"
"What makes you think just being his nobles grants you privilege above those who support him and this city's restoration process, sir?" Siana was the one who spoke with that sharp tongue. The man grew smaller from her cold voice, aware that she's not just the fiancé of the city lord, but second in command and the leader of his nobles.
"What have you done for this city, aside from waiting for it to finally stabilize, My Lords?" her sharp tongue didn't let up, "And imagine what a great disappointment it would be to those who support us, and who were promised priority, when they learn that those who merely sat idle, waiting for others to bleed and rebuild, demanded priority samples for themselves? No, my lord's generosity is not a charity for the idle. These crystals are not trinkets to be handed out on whim or noble birthright. They are promised first to those who risked coin, blade, and reputation to see Whitage rise again. You wish samples? Earn them. Contribute as those abroad have done—or remain silent and wait until the crystals are put on sale.
She let her gaze sweep the table, lingering just long enough on each face to make the point. The bald man shrank further into his seat, mustache twitching but offering no reply.
It's true that they've not contributed anything to the restoration process. Sure, they've used the funds given to them adequately to manage their own territories and help rebuild but that was mostly self-serving and not to the benefit of the city.
If anything, Anna—who isn't even a noble of this city—is more deserving of those mana crystals that will revolutionize the arcane industry and wizardry in general. She's the first one who sent over funds to help him back in the beginning, after all.
All of them then looked at Arnold who didn't interrupt Siana or attempt to denounce what she said.
"Unless you plan on proving her wrong by telling me what you've contributed to the restorative process, the matter won't be discussed again." He added, clearly rejecting their plea.
"The crystals will be available to the general public in about two weeks at the earliest. Stock has already been sent to magic stores and academic institutions who helped us. Wait until then just like the rest of them."
"Yes, sir…"
Extracting mana crystals isn't as easy as just picking up a pickaxe and hammering the earth. No, you need special training and equipment to ensure they are extracted safely. Since miasma can pose a danger to the workers, if the crystals released dust into the air, they must also be educated on how to make sure the area is clear of miasma.
Trained workers were sent here by various institutions while the common people were given short courses to join the workforce upon completion.
These workers, the equipment, and instructors were just as valuable to the restorative process as financial help they received from many nobles and fief lords.
Ersa is to thank for all this since she revealed the power of these crystals to the world.
"There's something I've been meaning to talk about but just never had the opportunity to. It's best if you find it out from me first. Actually, there are three things. It's important I address this sooner rather than later since all of you are gathered here," He held up three fingers, under their expectant stares.
"Firstly, I'm looking into ways to create a working teleporter with the help of a few acquaintances of mine."
"Teleporters? I admit such a technology would be beneficial for transporting but no one has ever made a functional one, even one that can transport small objects, much less a human-sized one." one of the nobles, a scrawny pale man with a top hat, remarked.
The others nodded along, thinking it was an absurd thing.
"I understand it's not something that humanity has ever been able to create even with complete blueprints. But you all must've heard that I came from the Sky God Dungeon—how do you think me and the seventh-years escaped that place when we were at the top floors?"
They looked at each other, "Well, I did hear one of the students said they were transported out after using a device that lets you teleport to the exact coordinates you type in. I thought it was something magic related."
"True, it's not unusual for there to be strange magic devices in those kinds of places." Another added.
"No, what we found was pure human ingenuity—in other words, a device built with the blood and sweat of humanoids. Unfortunately, we were unable to obtain a blueprint for how the device works but my acquaintances went back to retrieve parts necessary for the teleporter. Perhaps they can find even more things that will be beneficial to use if they continue searching."
The only thing magical about that teleporter was the fuel source. It harvested the power of a magic rock that came from space, after all.
"When the prototype is done, I'll have them build one in our city to go to anywhere in the world."
"Uhm, sir, if this succeeds," doubt still evident in his voice, the man with the top hat continued, "Will a teleporter be granted to every nation? I recall the inventors of the original teleporter wanted to make it free and accessible to everyone, whether commoners, slaves or kings."
"Good question. The public may not like it if the inventors' vision is not answered. I intend to charge nations only when giving them the device and for maintenance. They can come and go between nations free of charge. The design and blueprint of our final teleporter will be patented so duplicates looking to profit off their hard work can be prevented. If you have no more questions, I'll move on to the next two things I mentioned."
All of them nodded.
"Yesterday, a single person played a key role in making sure the continent wouldn't be invaded by immortal monsters that can never die. That person is a Rune Master who was able to break the portal that led to the layers of Hell. It just so happens that she works for me now."
"A Rune Master in this day and age…?"
"How long has it been now? 200 years? Either they're really good at hiding or they don't want to use their power to help humanity."
"I thought the refugees from that town were going crazy—saying how they saw a monster regenerate from a single chunk of meat—but it's actually true!? Monsters that never die… That's a scary thing to imagine…" one of them said with a pale face.
"Milord, are you saying even you—the Demon Slayer and King of the Dragons—would have perished were it not for this person you mentioned?"
"Yeah…" he winched a bit at those titles they assigned him but it's true anyway so he let the moment pass, "I might be strong but I don't have infinite lives or stamina to continue fighting forever. She was the most important asset in that battle so I hope you treat Sylphy with the respect she deserves."
"O-Of course! Simply being a Rune Master, the first of her kind in centuries, is astounding!"
Those two things had made them excited for the future, it seems. A Teleporter and a Rune Master, both these things would aid in helping the city become a powerhouse in both political and military strength, surpassing every other major nation. With that came influence and more connections.
But now came the bad news.
As if sensing that, they quieted down their whispers.
"The last thing I want to mention is who Vetis and Lunaria are and where the Shadow Demons and Red Knights come from. I've already discussed this with their master so I can reveal it to you all personally." He gave them a slow look over.
"…S-Sir Vetis isn't human, is he?" a noble with a cane said as the sweat dripped on his brow, "I-I met him a few times when coming over to the palace to deliver the results of my work. That man… he gives off the presence of a sleeping paralysis demon—maintaining eye contact makes me go stiff."
Arnold noticed the others nodding along with him. Vetis makes it that obvious, huh?
His appearance makes him look more like a Dark Elf (ones with ashen skin exist) but his sharp teeth and unnatural strength give him away as Elves aren't typically warriors.
"Seems like all of you agree. Your suspicions are correct—Vetis and Lunaria are full-blooded demons—Vetis is a Greater Demon and Lunaria is a half succubus."
The color drained from their faces, realizing they've been walking amongst demons all this time.
Arnold continued, "Their master is a Vampire Lord called Brynhildr Selia Bloodforth. I'm sure all of you have heard of her before since she's been in the empire a few times. And I'm sure you've heard how everyone reacted to a monster walking amongst us."
Then their eyes widened even further.
"Why would you ally yourself with demons, Milord!?" Henry jumped up, "They are deceitful, backstabbing animals that wait for you to expose your weaknesses! Vampires are no different! Each time a demon ended up back in our world through one unconventional method or another, they've brought only chaos!"
"That's right! Who knows, maybe that demon Vetis is scheming in the background to take this city away from us."
"Your concerns have been noted. But you should all be well aware that I can deal with them myself if they do intend to betray me." Despite what he said, their frowns only deepened.
Selia created Lunaria using the game's NPC creation tools so Lunaria won't be an issue. Her loyalty is hard-coded into her DNA, as is the rest of Selia's NPCs.
Vetis, however, was apparently recruited and isn't a creation so it's questionable whether his loyalty is foolproof. Then again, maybe he and Selia have an agreement of some sort.
"The reason we have basically no crime, the first in this country in centuries, is because of my alliance with Selia. Do you think those shadows stalking the people on the street, watching for anyone to commit a crime, will stay in this city once I sever that alliance? Or how about our army of Red Knights? What do you think will happen once they leave? I could have the Taelith House's dragons fly around which will prevent common criminals from getting in and causing trouble but what about inside my city? Your territories and the outer settlements? If we only had dragons, we would need to rebuild after every attack. Even the richest man in the world won't want to deal with that constantly."
Adding on to this, Siana's army of knights may be strong but most aren't on the level of the strongest Red Knights; Arnold has seen level 90s walk among them, after all, with the highest ranging between 94-97. While level isn't everything, it's a good indicator of how strong the homunculi Vetis creates, are.
This city would be no different than any other nation—a safe haven no more—if they left.
He let his words process in their minds a bit before he continued, still seeing a few frowns.
"You are allowed to leave this city if you feel uncomfortable living among monsters."
They glanced at each other once more, to see what everyone thinks. No one offered any further resistance in the end, but their faces remained drained of color.
"Keep this news to yourself for now. I intend to attend Jurnick's name day celebration banquet with Selia as my date. We will announce our alliance officially there." He glanced around the table once more, "Anything else to report? Speak now while all of us are gathered."
He still had to scout the border to determine a safe passage for the Misteltein joint party. With the demihumans roaming around, confrontation will be inevitable if they don't have a path marked. He doesn't have time to wait around for them to come to his office once his rest is over.
A balding man in a suit too skinny for his fat gut adjusted his spectacles, clearing his throat before speaking.
"Uhm, yes… my lord. There is a matter regarding the border villages."
Arnold gestured lazily with two fingers for him to continue.
"Since news of the battle spread, many people from neighboring territories have begun moving into our lands, mere hours after the fact so they must've had the desire to come here but had some doubts. Farmers, craftsmen, even merchants. They believe this city has become the safest place in the province with you as the ruler."
A murmur ran along the table.
"That sounds like a good problem to have," Arnold said, amused.
"In the long term, yes," the man replied nervously. "But the outer settlements were not prepared for such numbers. Some of the grain reserves meant for winter are already being distributed to newcomers as they join the workforce."
Another noble leaned forward with a frown.
"And it has angered several neighboring lords," he added. "They claim your reputation is drawing away their peasants. A few have already sent letters demanding the migrants be turned back."
A dry chuckle came from further down the table.
"They ignored those same peasants when bandits were raiding their farms," a woman muttered. "Now they suddenly remember they exist."
"Regardless," the first man continued carefully, "their complaints may eventually reach the imperial court."
Arnold raised a hand to stop him, "I'll keep that in mind and write out a detailed plan to handle the influx of people and also write letters back to the lords."
"I understand…"
Another noble raised a hand.
"There is also the matter of the adventurer guild, my lord."
Arnold glanced in his direction.
"They've received an unusual number of applications in the past few days. Sellswords, wandering knights, even foreign fighters. Many claim they wish to settle here."
"And the problem?" Arnold asked.
The noble grimaced slightly.
"They keep challenging the city guard to prove themselves."
A few of the men around the table exchanged weary looks.
"Two duels yesterday," someone muttered. "One of them tried to fight three guards at once."
A thin man with a scar across his cheek leaned back in his chair.
"That is not the worst of it," he said.
Arnold raised an eyebrow.
"The taverns are full of fools telling exaggerated stories about what happened during the battle. Every retelling grows more ridiculous than the last."
"How so?" Arnold asked.
"Some say you fought the creature alone. Others claim the dragon bowed to you like a trained hound. One drunk insisted you split the sky open with a single strike."
A few quiet laughs passed around the room.
Then the scarred man's expression hardened slightly.
"Stories like that travel fast."
Arnold rested his elbow on the armrest of the wheelchair.
"And?"
"And stories attract attention," the man replied. "Ambitious men. Rival houses. And every fool who thinks slaying a legend will make them one. Imagine dealing with those kinds of people while our Lord is away!"
"Normally I don't mind a challenge here or there, but I'm a very busy man so tell them I won't be accepting their childish duels."
As much as he would like to entertain his foolish countrymen, he had better use of his time. No one else brought anything up so Arnold pulled out his wheelchair, "This meeting is over. if anything else arises, speak about it with Siana, Lunaria or Victoria. I'll be resting for the day but you may stay for dinner if you'd like."
Siana quickly approached and took charge of his wheelchair. The nobles stood up and bowed as they watched him leave.
'I need to take a bath. Maybe I should tell Siana to join me?' He said to himself inwardly as he was pushed out of the room.
But someone was waiting for him in the great hall, someone he expected.
"—Arnold, we need to talk." Vance von Penston stood there, his eyes looking at him coldly.